Printing device, printing system, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium therefor

ABSTRACT

A printing device comprises a housing, a communication interface configured to communicate with a server, and a controller. The printing device is configured to operate either in a contract mode or in a normal mode. The housing is configured such that one or more consumables including a first type consumable and a second type consumable are attachable. The first type consumable is dedicated for the contract printing, and the second type consumable is usable for printing in both the contract mode and the normal mode. The controller is configured to activate the contract mode in response to an activation instruction from the server. In a case where the second type consumable is attached to the housing when the contract mode is activated, the controller changes a state of the printing device to a contract printing state in which the contract printing is activated after activating the contract mode.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/456,677 filed on Nov. 29, 2021 which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Japanese Patent Application No.2020-198923 filed on Nov. 30, 2020. The entire subject matter of theapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

The present disclosures relate to a printing device and a printingsystem and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium therefor.

In recent years, flat-rate printing services have been widely offered tousers of printing devices. The flat-rate printing service is a servicethat can be subscribed for each printing device, and is also referred toas a subscription service. For example, a flat-rate printing serviceallows users to print up to a particular number of pages during aparticular period of time at a fixed usage fee. An excess fee may becharged for usage in excess of the amount specified in the contract.

DESCRIPTION

When a user signs up for the flat-rate printing service, variousinformation is sent and received between the server of the serviceprovider and the user's printing device. This is so that the server canidentify the printing device that will be the target of the contract,and also so that the user's printing device can make various settingsrelated to the providing of the flat-rate printing service.

In the conventional flat-rate printing service, the server provides theuser with a starter kit of consumables dedicated for flat-rate printingafter the server recognizes the printing device as a contracted device.In this case, however, there was a problem that a time lag occurred fromthe time the user signed the contract until the starter kit wasdelivered to the user and the flat-rate printing became possible. Thisissue may arise in the same way for any printing based on the terms ofthe contract, other than flat-rate printing. Regardless of the providingof a starter kit, if dedicated consumables are set up for printing basedon a contract, a time lag may occur between the time the user signs thecontract and the time the user obtains the dedicated consumables.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided aprinting device comprising a housing, a communication interfaceconfigured to communicate with a serve, and a controller. The printingdevice can operate either in a contract mode or in a normal mode. Thecontract mode is a mode in which the printing device is recognized as adevice subjected to a contract that is qualified to perform contractprinting based on contract terms of the contract with a business entity.The normal mode being a mode in which the printing device does notperform the contract printing. The housing is configured such that oneor more consumables including a first type consumable and a second typeconsumable are attachable. The first type consumable is dedicated forthe contract printing in the contract mode. The second type consumableis usable for printing in both the contract mode and the normal mode.The controller can perform, in a case where the second type consumableis attached to the housing change a state of the printing device to acontract printing state in which the contract printing is activated andactivate the contract mode of the printing device in response to anactivation instruction from the server.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main structure of a printingsystem according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an example of cartridge information.

FIG. 3 is a sequence illustrating a process from a conclusion of acontract to a shipment of a first contract cartridge in the printingsystem according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a mode and state setting processperformed in a printing device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a delivery determining processperformed in a server.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process after the printingdevice activates a contract mode in the printing system according to thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a consumable monitoring process.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

Overview of Printing System

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure is described belowwith reference to FIGS. 1 through 6 . As shown in FIG. 1 , a printingsystem 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with aprinting device 1, an ink cartridge 4, a server 9, and a user terminal2. It is noted that the user terminal 2 is not an essentialconfiguration in the printing system 100 according to aspects of thepresent disclosures. Further, devices constituting the printing system100 are configured to communicate with each other via a communicationnetwork such as the Internet.

The printing device 1 is configured to perform contract printing, whichis printing based on terms of a contract made with a business entity.The server 9 is an external device configured to communicate with theprinting device 1 via a network. The server 9 is an example of amanagement device configured to manage the printing device 1. In thepresent embodiment, the server 9 is a server managed by the businessentity.

In the present disclosures, the contract is defined as a contract madebetween a user of the printing device 1 and the business entity, andaccording to which contract, the business entity provides a particularservice via the printing device 1 designated by the user. In otherwords, it can be said that the user makes a contract for a certainprinting device 1. It is also said that the printing device 1 is adevice subjected to the contract. In the following description, theprinting device 1 designated by the user as the subject of the contractis referred to as the “contract-subject device.”

At the time the contract is made, concrete conditions (contract terms)are agreed upon, such as a period of use of a service, a fee for use,and a maximum number of pages to be printed with the service applied. Itis noted that the contract conditions may be changed later. Further, theuser may register or change the printing device 1 as a contract-subjectdevice at any time. The term “registration” here may be a newregistration or a re-registration of the printing device 1 that waspreviously registered and terminated.

In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the“service” is a flat-rate printing service. The flat-rate printingservice is a service that allows a user to perform “flat-rate printing,”which is an example of contract printing, at a fixed usage fee indicatedby the contract terms, as long as the usage period and the maximumnumber of pages to be printed are within the range indicated by thecontract terms. The detailed provisions of the flat-rate printingservice may be defined as appropriate, but for example, the flat-rateprinting service may provide the consumables and/or replacement itemsused for the flat-rate printing to the user at a flat rate as long asthe aforementioned usage period and the maximum number of pages are notexceeded.

It is noted that the timings of (1) and (2) below may be different forthe flat-rate printing services.

-   -   (1) a timing at which the server 9 recognizes the printing        device 1 as a contract-subject device    -   (2) a timing at which the server 9 regards that the printing        device 1 has started using the flat-rate printing service        In other words, in the flat-rate printing service, the server 9        may recognize the printing device 1 as “a device subjected to        the contract, but the use of the flat-rate printing service has        not yet started.” The “start of use of the flat-rate printing        service” in (2) above refers only to the “start of use of the        service” and does not depend on whether or not the flat-rate        printing has actually been performed.

When the flat-rate printing service is a paid service, the timingdefined in item (2) may be taken as synonymous with “a timing at whichcharging for the flat-rate printing service for the printing device 1 isstarted.” In this document, unless otherwise stated, it is assumed thatthe flat-rate printing service is a paid service. Therefore, the timingdefined in item (2) is assumed to be the timing to start charging.

The type of printing device 1 is not limited to a particular type aslong as consumables such as ink cartridges or toner cartridges can beinstalled and has a function to execute printing using the consumablesand a communication function. For example, the printing device 1 may bean inkjet printer or a laser printer. Alternatively, the printing device1 may be an MFP (Multi Function Printer/Peripheral) that is alsoequipped with other functions such as a scanner and/or a facsimile.

In the present embodiment, as an example, a case where the printingdevice 1 is an inkjet printer that is configured to print data on aprinting sheet by discharging ink droplets will be described. One ormore ink cartridges are attached to a housing of the printing device 1.In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that four inkcartridges of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (BK) colorsare attached to the printing device 1. The printing device 1 may beprovided with a display such as an LCD or a lamp, and an input devicesuch as operation buttons. The LCD may be integrated with a touch panelso as to be configured to function as an input device.

The server 9 is a management device that manages one or more printingdevices 1. In the example of FIG. 2 , the server 9 is connected to onlyone printing device 1, but the server 9 may be communicatively connectedto multiple printing devices 1.

The server 9 used by the business entity is configured to communicatewith the printing device 1 through the communication network andcomplete a series of information processing related to the contractprocedure in cooperation with the printing device 1. In the followingdescription, the series of information processing related to thecontract procedure will be referred to as a contract-related process. Asa result, the server 9 recognizes the printing device 1 as the devicesubjected to the contract, and finally, the printing device 1 isrecognized as the contract-subject device on the printing system 100.

In the present embodiment, the server 9 is configured to determine toprovide the user with contract-subject device designated by the businessentity, triggered by the recognition of the printing device 1 as acontract-subjected device. A method of providing the consumables fromthe business entity to the user is not particularly limited. Forexample, the business entity may send the consumables dedicated forflat-rate printing to the user by mail. The user attaches the providedconsumables dedicated for flat-rate printing in the printing device 1.As a result, it is enabled that the printing device 1 performs flat-rateprinting.

Internal Configuration

Ink Cartridge 4

The ink cartridge 4 has a cartridge memory 42. The cartridge memory 42is configured such that information can be written to and readout fromthe cartridge memory 42. The cartridge memory 42 is, for example, aflash ROM (Read Only Memory) or an EEPROM® (Electrically ErasableProgrammable ROM).

The cartridge memory 42 has a first area 421, a second area 422, and athird area 423 for storing information related to the ink cartridge 4.The first area 421 is configured to store a cartridge ID. The secondarea 422 is configured to store a cartridge type. The third area 423 isconfigured to store an ink remaining amount. Data stored in the thirdarea may be rewritable. The areas for storing the cartridge ID and theink remaining amount may be omitted for the purpose of the presentdisclosure as appropriate.

The cartridge ID is, for example, a unique serial number that identifiesan individual ink cartridge 4. The cartridge ID may include informationindicating the ink color, the model number, a manufacturer and aproduction lot of that ink cartridge.

The cartridge type is information that indicates the type of inkcartridge 4. In the present embodiment, any of at least three types(i.e., “Contract,” “Bundled,” and “Commercial”) can be set as the typeof the ink cartridge.

The ink cartridge in which the type “Contract” is stored in the secondarea 422 is an ink cartridge dedicated for the flat-rate printing. Inthe following, the ink cartridge of this type will be referred to as thecontract cartridge (which is an example of a first type consumable). Inthe present embodiment, the contract cartridge is shipped to the user bythe provider of the flat-rate printing service. In the presentembodiment, the first shipment of the contract cartridge may beperformed after the contract has been concluded, triggered by the factthat the printing device 1 has entered the contract mode.

The ink cartridge in which the type “Bundled” is stored in the secondarea 422 is an ink cartridge that is bundled to the printing device 1when the new printing device 1 is delivered, for example, when theprinting device 1 is purchased by the user. In the followingdescription, this type of ink cartridge will be referred to as a bundledcartridge (which is an example of a second type consumable). The bundledcartridge is a consumable that can be used for both the normal printingand the flat-rate printing. The bundled cartridge may be the inkcartridge 4 that is used to fill the printing device 1 with ink for thefirst time (i.e., at the initial filling) during the preparationoperation of the printing device 1 for use (e.g., the initial operationuntil the new printing device 1 is ready to print).

The bundled cartridge does not have to be physically bundled with theprinting device 1, as long as the user can obtain the same at the timeof purchasing of the printing device 1. The bundled cartridge may alsocontain less ink than the contract cartridge and/or a commercialcartridge which will be described later.

In more detail, the bundled cartridge is configured such that, wheninstalled in the printing device 1 operating in the normal mode, thebundled cartridge can activate the contract mode of the printing device1 in the same way as the commercial cartridge. The bundled cartridge isalso a consumable that, when installed in the printing device 1operating in the contract mode, is capable of contract printing justlike the contract cartridge.

The ink cartridge in which the type “Commercial” is stored in the secondarea 422 is the commercial ink cartridge that can be purchased fromconsumer electronics stores or mail order sites. In the followingdescription, this type of ink cartridge is referred to as a commercialcartridge (which is an example of a third type consumable). Thecommercial cartridge may be so-called a genuine product manufactured bythe manufacturer of the printing device 1, or they may be so-called acompatible consumable manufactured by a third party other than themanufacturer.

When a contract mode (described in detail later) of the printing device1 is activated and when the cartridge installed to the printing device 1is the contract cartridge or the bundled cartridge, the printing device1 can perform the contract printing. In other words, the printing device1 cannot perform the contract printing when the commercial cartridge isinstalled. The contract cartridges are provided by the business entityto the user who has concluded a contract for the printing device 1. Itis noted that the method of providing the contract cartridge to the useris not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, it is assumedthat the shipping server that received the instruction from the server 9ships the contract cartridge to the address of the user registered inadvance.

In the present embodiment, a set of contract cartridges for use in theprinting device 1 that has newly become a contract-subject device willbe referred to as an “initial contract cartridge.” In other words, theinitial contract cartridge is the contract cartridge to be used for thefirst time for the flat-rate printing.

An ink remaining amount is information that indicates the remainingamount of the ink in the ink cartridge 4. As an example, the inkremaining amount is indicated by values corresponding to multiple stagesfrom full to empty, and the values are stored in the third area 423.Each stage of the ink remaining amount may be notified to the user bywords, such as “FULL” to “EMPTY”, in numerical values, such as “100%” to“0%”, or by a combination of such expressions, based on theaforementioned words and values.

The housing of the printing device 1 has a connector 101. When the inkcartridge 4 is installed in the housing of the printing device 1, theconnector 101 is electrically connected to the cartridge memory 42.Then, the controller 80 of the printing device 1 can communicate withthe cartridge memory 42 of the ink cartridge 4.

Printing Device 1

The printing device 1 has a controller 80, a communication IF 81, and amain memory 82. The controller 80 has, for example, an ASIC (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit). The controller 80 is electricallyconnected to the main memory 82 and the communication interface 81,which are provided in the housing of the printing device 1. Thecontroller 80 controls the printing device 1 to perform variousprocesses related to printing by executing various operations.

The controller 80 may also execute a communication monitoring process tomonitor the communication state between the printing device 1 and theserver 9. The communication monitoring process may be performedperiodically while the power of the printing device 1 is in an ON state,regardless of other processes in the printing device 1.

The controller 80 may be equipped with a processor such as a CPU(Central Processing Unit). In such a case, a control program to realizea control method of the printing device 1 may be stored in the mainmemory 82, and the controller 80 may control the printing device 1 toperform various processes by the processor operating according to thecontrol program.

The controller 80 may also be provided with a computer-readablerecording medium, such as the main memory 82, on which the controlprogram is stored. The recording medium may be a “non-transitorytangible medium,” such as a ROM or the like, as well as a tape, a disk,a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, and thelike. The RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like may also be used todevelop the control program. The control program may also be supplied tothe computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting thecontrol program (e.g., a communication network, a broadcast signal, orthe like.). Aspects of the present disclosure may also be realized inthe form of a data signal incorporated in a carrier wave, in which thecontrol program is embodied by electronic transmission.

When the ink cartridge 4 is installed in the printing device 1, the inkcartridge 4 is electrically connected to the controller 80, as shown inFIG. 1 . As a result, the controller 80 can perform a process of readinginformation from the cartridge memory 42 and a process of writinginformation (including a process of rewriting) to the cartridge memory42.

The main memory 82 is configured such that information can readtherefrom, and can be written thereto. The main memory 82 is, forexample, a flash ROM or an EEPROM®. The main memory 82 has, as anexample, seven areas from area 821 to area 827, and each area stores thevarious information as described below.

In the area 821, cartridge information is stored. The cartridgeinformation is information about the ink cartridges 4 of each colorinstalled in the printing device 1. Concretely, the cartridgeinformation includes a cartridge ID read from each cartridge memory 42,a cartridge type, and the ink remaining amount, which are associatedwith a corresponding one of the ink cartridges 4.

FIG. 2 shows a concrete example of the cartridge information stored inarea 821. As an example, the cartridge information includes a column ofthe cartridge ID, a column of the cartridge type, and a column of theink remaining amount for each row of the ink cartridge 4 of each color.

The controller 80 can read the cartridge information from the area 821and can recognize the installation state of the ink cartridge 4 in theprinting device 1. Then, the controller 80 can determine the suitabilityof activating the contract mode based on the recognized installationstate in the above-described determination process.

In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the value of “No Cartridge” is storedin each column of the row of the cyan. According to the configuration,the controller 80 can determine that the cyan ink cartridge 4 is notinstalled in the printing device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , thevalues “Bundled,” “Commercial,” and “Contract” are stored in thecartridge type columns, in the order of black, magenta, and yellow,respectively. As a result, the controller 80 can determine that theblack ink cartridge 4 currently installed in the printing device 1 isthe bundled cartridge, the magenta ink cartridge 4 is the commercialcartridge, and the yellow ink cartridge 4 is the contract cartridge. Thecontroller 80 can also determine the ink remaining amount in the inkcartridge 4 of each color based on the column of ink remaining amount.

In the present embodiment, the controller 80 refers to the cartridgeinformation to determine the suitability of activating the contractmode, depending on the installation status of the ink cartridge 4 in theprinting device 1. The contract mode will be described in detail later.

A concrete example of the cartridge information referred to by thecontroller 80 will be described in detail later based on anotherdrawing.

In the area 822, the device ID is stored. The device ID isidentification information used to identify the printing device 1. Thedevice ID is, for example, a serial number of the printing device 1.

The mode information is stored in the area 823. The mode information isinformation that indicates the operation mode of the printing device 1.In the present embodiment, as an example, two types of modes (i.e., the“contract mode” and the “normal mode”) are defined. The “normal mode” isa mode indicating that the printing device 1 is not the contract-subjectdevice and operates as a normal printing device.

Mode Information

The “contract mode” is one of the operation modes of the printing device1, and is an operation mode in which the printing device 1 is recognizedby the server 9 as the contract-subject device that is qualified toperform the contracted printing based on the contract. The “normal mode”is one of the operation modes of the printing device 1, and is anoperation mode in which the printing device 1 does not perform thecontract printing. When the printing device 1 operates in the normalmode, the printing device 1 is not recognized by the server 9 as thecontracted device. The printing device 1 according to the presentembodiment is configured to operate in each of the contract mode and inthe normal mode, and operates in either one of the contract mode or thenormal mode.

In the normal mode, the printing device 1 performs the normal printingbut not the contract printing. The normal printing is printing usingcommercial cartridges. In the normal mode, when the ink is exhausted byprinting, the user may purchase a new commercial cartridge to refill thesame. In other words, the normal printing is printing in which the costof purchasing commercial cartridges increases with the amount ofprinting. In the present embodiment, the “normal printing” is alsoreferred to simply as “printing.”

At the time of shipment of the printing device 1, a value correspondingto the normal mode is stored in the area 823 as a default value. Theserver 9 is configured to transmit an activating instruction instructingto activate the contract mode to the printing device 1 designated by theuser at the time of concluding the contract. The controller 80 sets thevalue of the area 823 to a value corresponding to the contract mode,using the activating instruction from the server 9 as a trigger. In thepresent embodiment, “activating the contract mode of the printing device1” means that the controller 80 sets the value of the area 823 to avalue corresponding to the contract mode.

The controller 80 may release the activation of the contract mode (i.e.,deactivate the contract mode) when a particular condition is met. Thatis, the controller 80 may reset the mode information to the valuecorresponding to the normal mode. For example, the controller 80 mayreturn the mode of the printing device 1 to the normal mode when aninstruction to terminate the contract mode is received from the server9.

Status Information

The status information is stored in the area 824. The status informationis information that indicates whether or not the contract is applied inthe printing device 1. According to the present embodiment, two types ofstatus information are defined. The two types of status informationindicate a “before billing” state and an “after billing” state,respectively. The “before billing” state is a state in which theapplication of the contract has not started, while the “after billing”state is a state in which the application of the contract has started.When the printing device 1 is shipped, the value corresponding to the“before billing” state is stored in the area 824 as the initial value.The controller 80 is configured to rewrite the value of the statusinformation in area 824. In the present embodiment, “changing the stateof the printing device 1” means that the controller 80 changes the valuein the area 824.

Mode Information, Status Information and Status of Printing Device

The status of the printing device 1 is defined by a combination of themode information and the status information. When the mode informationindicates the “normal mode,” regardless of the status information, theprinting device 1 is not recognized as the contract-subject device andthe flat-rate printing is cannot be performed.

When the mode information indicates the “contract mode” and the statusinformation indicates the “before billing” state, the printing device 1is recognized as the contract-subject device, but billing has not beenstarted. In the present embodiment, when only the commercial cartridgesare installed in the printing device 1 at the time when the server 9instructs to activate the contract mode of the printing device 1, theprinting device 1 is in the “contract mode” and “before billing” state.In other words, it can be said that the state in which the printingdevice 1 is in the “contract mode” and the “before billing” state is thestate in which the printing device 1 is waiting for the commercialcartridge installed in the housing to be replaced with at least one ofthe contract cartridge and the bundled cartridge. Therefore, in thepresent embodiment, the state in which the printing device 1 is in the“contract mode” and the “before billing” state is also referred to as a“replacement standby” state.

When the mode information indicates the “contracted mode” state and thestatus information indicates the “after billing” state, the printingdevice 1 is the contract-subject device and billing has been started. Inother words, this state indicates that the printing device 1 is readyfor the contract printing. In the present embodiment, the state in whichthe printing device 1 is in the “contract mode” and in the “afterbilling” state is also referred to as a “contract printing state.”

The printing device 1 may be capable of performing printing other thanthe contract printing even when it is operating in the contract printingstate. For example, it is assumed that, when the printing device 1 is inthe contract printing state, the bundled cartridge or the contractcartridge installed in the printing device 1 is removed and a commercialcartridge is installed. In such a case, the printing device 1 mayperform the normal printing that can be performed using the commercialcartridge while the printing device 1 remains recognized, by the server9, as a contract-subject device (i.e., the printing device 1 operatingin the contract printing state). In addition, the printing device 1 maybe capable of performing printing other than the contract printing whenit is operating in the replacement standby state. For example, when theprinting device 1 is in the replacement standby state, it may performthe normal printing that can be performed using the commercialcartridges installed in the printing device 1.

The communication status is stored in the area 825. The communicationstatus is information that indicates the communication status betweenthe printing device 1 and the server 9. Alternatively, the communicationstatus may be information indicating whether the printing device 1 isonline or offline. When the communication interface 81 is connected to acommunication network and can communicate with an external device, avalue indicating that the printing device 1 is online is stored in thearea 825 as the communication status. On the other hand, when thecommunication interface 81 is not connected to the communication networkand unable to communicate with the external device, a value indicatingthat the printing device 1 is offline is stored in the area 825 as thecommunication status. In another example, the controller 80 may monitor,via the communication interface 81, the communication status with theserver 9 according to a known communication protocol. In this case, thecontroller 80 may distinguish a state in which the printing device 1 isunable to communicate with the server 9 due to a problem on the server 9side from the aforementioned online and offline states, and store adifferent value indicating the current state of the communication stateof the printing device 1 in the area 825.

A first number-of-sheet counter is stored in the area 826. The firstnumber-of-sheet counter indicates a cumulative total number of printedsheets printed by the printing device 1. In other words, the value ofthe first number-of-sheet counter is the cumulative total number ofprinted sheets which are printed by the normal printing and the numberof printed sheets which are printed by the flat-rate printing. A secondnumber-of-sheet counter is stored in area 827. A second number-of-sheetcounter indicates the number of printed sheets printed by the flat-rateprinting in the printing device 1. The second number-of-sheet countermay be reset to 0 every time the printing device 1 activates thecontract mode from the no-contract mode, or the second number-of-sheetcounter may indicate the cumulative total number of printed sheetsprinted by the flat-rate printing in the printing device 1 up to now.Hereafter, unless otherwise stated, the value of the secondnumber-of-sheet counter is the cumulative total number of printed sheetsprinted by the flat-rate printing up to now.

In addition to the aforementioned information, the main memory 82 mayhave an area configured to store, for example, the total number ofprinted sheets printed in the printing device 1.

The communication interface 81 realizes a communication between theprinting device 1 and the server 9 via an unshown communication networksuch as the Internet, for example. The communication interface 81outputs requests received from the server 9 to the controller 80. It isnoted that the “request” refers to various requests, instructions,inquiries, and the like transmitted from the server 9 incontract-related processes. The communication interface 81 returnsresults of calculation which is performed by the controller 80 inresponse to the requests and output thereby to the server 9 as a“response.” In the present embodiment, the reply to the response by thecommunication interface 81 may be omitted. When the request is aninstruction to change various settings in the printing device 1, thecontroller 80 changes the various settings in the printing device 1 inaccordance with the instruction. In such a case, however, replying tothe server 9 via the communication interface 81 with a notification thatthe settings have been changed may be omitted.

Server 9

The server 9 is equipped with a server communication IF 91, a servermemory 92, and a server controller 93. The server communication IF 91 isa communication interface for communication between the server 9 and theprinting device 1. The server communication IF 91 transmits requestsinput from the server controller 93 to the printing device 1. The servercommunication IF 91 receives the response transmitted from the printingdevice 1 in response to the transmitted request, and outputs the same tothe server controller 93.

The server communication IF 91 also communicates with the user terminal2 operated by the user of the printing device 1, and transmits andreceives information to and from the user terminal 2. In the presentembodiment, the server communication IF 91 exchanges various informationnecessary for concluding the contract with the user terminal 2.Concretely, the server communication IF 91 may be configured to receivea contract request message requesting the conclusion of a contract fromthe user terminal 2. This contract request message may include a deviceID that identifies the printing device 1. After the server controller 93executes contract-related process in response to this contract requestmessage, the server communication IF 91 may transmit a notification tothe user terminal 2 to notify that the printing device 1 is recognizedas a contract-subject device.

The server memory 92 is a storage device configured to store datanecessary for the operation of the server 9. The server memory 92 has anarea 921 configured to store device information for each printing device1. The device information includes data various information about theprinting device 1. The device information is generated for each printingdevice 1. The device information may include, for example, a device ID,a contract flag, a start flag, a contracted maximum number of sheets, asecond number-of-sheet counter, and the number-of-sheet of the flat-rateprinting. Optionally, the device information may include, for example, amodel number of the printing device 1, the date of manufacture of theprinting device 1, and the like.

The device ID is identification information used by the server 9 touniquely identify the printing device 1. The contract flag isinformation that indicates whether the contract mode of the printingdevice 1 has been activated, i.e., whether the printing device 1 hasalready been recognized as a contract-subject device.

The start flag is information that indicates whether the flat-rateprinting service has been started in the printing device 1. In thepresent embodiment, the start flag is also information that indicateswhether billing to the printing device 1 has started. The initial valueof the start flag is set to a value that means “not yet.” The start flagmeaning “not yet” indicates that the flat-rate printing service has notyet been started in the printing device 1.

When the server controller 93 of the server 9 is notified by thecontroller 80 of the printing device 1 that the flat-rate printingservice has been started in the printing device 1, the server controller93 sets the start flag from the value meaning “not yet” to a valuemeaning “already started.” The start flag meaning “already started”indicates that the flat-rate printing service has already been startedin the printing device 1.

The contracted maximum number of sheets is the upper limit of the numberof sheets that the printing device 1 can print in the flat-rate printingduring a particular period defined by the contract. The secondnumber-of-sheet counter is the same information as the secondnumber-of-sheet counter in the printing device 1. The number-of-sheet ofthe flat-rate printing is information that indicates the number ofsheets of printed sheets printed by the printing device 1 using theflat-rate printing service since the printing device 1 started theflat-rate printing service. In the case where the user has cancelled andthen re-concluded the contract with the printing device 1, thenumber-of-sheet of the flat-rate printing indicates the number ofprinted sheets printed from the start of the flat-rate printing serviceusing the flat-rate printing service in the latest contract. The servercontroller 93 of the server 9 updates the values of the secondnumber-of-sheet counter and the number-of-sheet of the flat-rateprinting printed in the device information stored in the area 921 of theserver memory 92 in accordance with a notification from the controller80 of the printing device 1.

The server controller 93 is a CPU configured to control overalloperations of the server 9. At a particular timing, the servercontroller 93 generates a request directed to the printing device 1 andoutputs the generated request to the server communication unit 91. Inthe present embodiment, the request includes, for example, aninstruction to activate the contract mode of the printing device 1.Hereafter, the “instruction for activating the contract mode of theprinting device 1” is also referred to simply as an “activationinstruction.” The server controller 93 controls the server communicationunit 91 and transmits the activation instruction to the printing device1 designated by the user, triggered by the reception of the contractrequest message transmitted from the user terminal.

In addition, the server controller 93 is configured to store new deviceinformation in the area 921 of the server memory 92 or updates thedevice information already stored in the server memory 92, based on theresponse received from the printing device 1 via the servercommunication IF 91. More in detail, for example, when the servercommunication IF 91 receives a contract request message from the userterminal with respect to a printing device 1 with which a new contractis desired to be concluded, the server controller 93 newly registers thedevice information of the printing device 1 in the area 921. At thisstage, the server controller 93 sets the initial value of the contractflag to a value that means “not yet started.” The contract flagindicating “not yet started” means a state in which the server 9 itselfhas not yet confirmed that the printing device 1 that is scheduled toperform the flat-rate printing has activated to operate in the contractmode, although the contract has been concluded between the user and theevent person. When the server controller 93 confirms throughcommunication with the printing device 1 that the contract mode of theprinting device 1 has been activated, the server controller 93 updatesthe contract flag of the printing device 1 to a value that means“already started.” Based on this process, the printing device 1 isrecognized as a contract-subject device on the printing system 100including the server 9.

The user terminal 2 is a terminal device for the user to perform variousinput operations for concluding the contract. The user terminal 2 isconfigured to transmit, to the server 9, a contract request messagecontaining various information about the conclusion of the contract,which is input by the user. For example, as the user terminal 2, aninformation processing terminal equipped with standard communicationfunctions, such as the PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, and the likemay be employed.

Process Flow from Conclusion of Contract to Shipping of the FirstContract Cartridge

FIG. 3 is a sequence chart illustrating a flow of processes in aprinting system 100, according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, illustrating a flow of process from the conclusion of acontract to the shipment of the first contract cartridge.

In S1, the user terminal 2 transmits a contract request message to theserver 9 according to the user's input operation. The contract requestmessage includes the device ID of the printing device 1 on which theuser wishes to have the flat-rate printing performed. The servercommunication unit 91 of the server 9 is configured to receive thecontract request message.

In S2, the server controller 93 of the server 9 transmits a request tothe printing device 1 in response to the server communication unit 91receiving the contract request message. This request includes anactivation instruction (instruction transmission process).

On the other hand, the printing device 1 is configured to execute theprocess of S3 and S3 at a particular timing which are not directlyrelated to S1 of S2.

In S3, the controller 80 of the printing device 1 detects theinstallation of the ink cartridge 4 to a housing of the printing device1.

In S4, the controller 80 reads the cartridge information of each inkcartridge 4 by referring to the cartridge memory 42 of each of thedetected ink cartridges 4. When it is detected that none of the inkcartridges 4 were installed in the printing device 1 at the time ofexecution of S3, the controller 80 need not execute the process of S4.When the server 9 transmits the activating instruction in S3, thecontroller 80 executes the process of S5.

In S5, the controller 80 receives the activation instructionstransmitted from the server 9 via the communication interface 81. Thecontroller 80 then executes the process of S6.

In the printing device 1, the processes of S3-S4 and S5 may be performedin any order, or the processes of S3-S4 and S5 may be performed atindependent timings, respectively. The processes of S3 and Step S4 maybe performed periodically. Further, a sensor or the like is configuredto detect installation of the ink cartridge 4 in the printing device 1,and the detection of the installation may be used as a trigger toperform the processes of S3 and S4.

In S6, the controller 80 of the printing device 1 performs a mode/statussetting process in response to the receipt of the activationinstruction. The mode/status setting process is a process of determiningwhether the various states of the printing device 1 are suitable foractivating the contracted mode, and setting the mode and/or status ofthe printing device 1 (i.e., the state of the printing device 1)according to the determination result. The mode/status setting processwill be described in detail later.

In S7, the controller 80 determines whether the controller 80 hasactivated the contract mode of the printing device 1 as a result of themode/status setting process in S6. When the contract mode of theprinting device 1 has been activated in the mode and status settingprocess (S7: YES), the controller 80 performs the process of S8. Whenthe controller 80 has not activated the contract mode (S7: NO), theprinting device 1 and the server 9 do not perform the process describedin the subsequent steps.

In S8 (i.e., in a request transmission process), the controller 80transmits a notification (i.e., an activation completion notification)to the server 9 indicating that the activation of the contract mode hasbeen completed. The activation completion notification includes, atleast, information indicating the cartridge type (i.e., typeinformation) among the cartridge information of each ink cartridge 4read by the printing device 1. It is noted that the activationcompletion notification may also include the ink remaining amount ofeach ink cartridge 4 among the cartridge information detected by theprinting device 1.

Using the activation completion notification as a trigger (i.e., inresponse to the activation completion notification), the server 9determines whether the first contract cartridge needs to be shipped.When it is determined that the first contract cartridge needs to beshipped, the server 9 issues an instruction to ship the first contractcartridge. Therefore, the activation completion notification is, inother words, a request for provision of the contract cartridge to server9.

In S9 (i.e., a request reception process), the server 9 receives theactivation completion notification. The server 9 performs a process inS10 in response to the activation completion notification.

In S10, the server controller 93 recognizes the printing device 1 as thecontract-subject device.

In S11, the server controller 93 performs a shipping determination. Theshipping determination is a process of determining whether the firstcontract cartridge needs to be shipped.

In S12, the server controller 93 determines whether the first contractcartridge is required to be shipped in the shipping determination. Anexpression “determines whether the first contract cartridge is requiredto be shipped” may include not only a case where it is determined thatthe first contract cartridges of all colors that can be installed in theprinting device 1 need to be shipped, but also a case where it isdetermined that only the first contract cartridges of one or some colorsneed to be shipped. When it is determined that the first contractcartridges need to be shipped (S12: YES), the server controller 93executes S13. On the other hand, when it is determined that the shipmentof the first contract cartridge is not required (S12: NO), the servercontroller 93 does not execute S13 and terminates the process.

In S13, the server controller 93 instructs the shipment of the firstcontract cartridge to the user of the printing device 1 (i.e., aprovision instruction process). The destination of the shippinginstructions is not particularly limited. For example, the servercontroller 93 may instruct a shipping management server or the like,which manages the shipping of the contract cartridges, to ship the firstcontract cartridge to the user of the printing device 1.

In the printing system 100, the server 9 may include an informationmanagement server equipped with a function to manage customerinformation regarding the user and the printing device 1, and theshipping management server equipped with a function to manage theshipping of the contract cartridge based on the customer information. Inthis case, after the information management server recognizes theprinting device 1 as the contract-subject device in S8, the informationmanagement server instructs the shipping management server to ship thefirst contract cartridge to the address of the user of the printingdevice 1. In accordance with the above instruction, the shippingmanagement server proceeds with the process of shipping the firstcontract cartridge, and finally, a set of the first contract cartridgesis delivered to the user.

According to the process of FIG. 3 described above, when the contractmode of the printing device 1 is activated, the printing device 1 canrequest the server 9 to provide the contract cartridges by means of theactivation completion notification. Therefore, the printing device 1 canrequest the server 9 to provide the contract cartridges without delayafter the contract mode of the printing device 1 is activated.

Mode/Status Setting Process

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the mode/status settingprocess performed in the printing device 1.

In S61, the controller 80 determines whether an operating state of theprinting device 1 is suitable for activating the contract mode (i.e., anoperating state determining process). The operating state in which theprinting device 1 is determined to be “suitable for activation” may bedefined appropriately in accordance with the type of the printing device1, the intended use, and the contract conditions.

As above, by determining the suitability of activating the contract modeof the printing device 1 according to the operating state of theprinting device 1, it is possible to prevent the process of activatingthe contract mode from being started when the printing device 1 is in anoperating state that is unsuitable for activating the contract mode.Accordingly, it is possible to avoid inconvenience of interrupting theprocess for activating the contract mode without completing it.

For example, in S61, the controller 80 may determine that activation isunsuitable when an error occurring in the printing device 1 meetsparticular conditions. More concretely, the controller 80 may determinethat activation is unsuitable when a particular type of error hasoccurred in the printing device 1. The “particular type of error” mayinclude, for example, an error with a power-off operation, an error thatmay forcefully terminate the operation of the controller 80, or an errorthat physically or software-wise makes it impossible to execute theflat-rate printing. It is noted that whether the above errors areoccurring in the printing device 1 may be monitored by the controller 80at any time or periodically.

As a result, the controller 80 can prevent the contract mode from beingactivated even if an activation instruction is received from the server9 under a situation where a particular error has occurred in theprinting device 1. Thus, it is possible to prevent a process related tothe activation of the contract mode from being performed in the printingdevice 1 in which an error unsuitable for activating the contract modehas occurred.

When it is determined that the operating state of the printing device 1is unsuitable for the activation (S61: NO), the controller 80 does notexecute the subsequent steps of S62 to S65 and terminates themode/status setting process. On the other hand, when it is determinedthat the operating status of the printing device 1 is suitable for theactivation (S61: YES), the controller 80 executes S62.

In S62, the controller 80 determines whether a contract cartridge isinstalled in the printing device 1. When even one contract cartridge isinstalled in the printing device 1 (S62: YES), the controller 80 doesnot execute the subsequent steps of S62 to S65, and terminates themode/status setting process. In other words, the controller 80 does notactivate the contract mode of the printing device 1, and leaves theprinting device 1 in the normal mode. On the other hand, when nocontract cartridge is installed in the printing device 1 (S62: NO), theprinting device 1 executes S63.

The determination process in S62 is not an essential process. However,by adding such a determining process, the contract mode of the printingdevice 1 can be activated only when, at least one of the bundledcartridge and the commercial cartridge is installed in the printingdevice 1 and no contract cartridge is installed in the printing device1.

Therefore, according to the determining process in S62, when anunexpected situation occurs in which the contract cartridge, whichshould have been available after the printing device 1 activates thecontract mode, is installed when the printing device 1 is in the normalmode, it becomes possible that the contract mode of the printing device1 can be prevented from being activated.

In S63, the controller 80 determines whether one or more bundledcartridges are included in the installed ink cartridge 4 by referring tothe cartridge type of the cartridge information in the main memory 82 ofthe printing device 1. When one or more bundled cartridges are installed(S63: YES), the controller 80 executes S64. On the other hand, when noneof the bundled cartridges are installed (S63: NO), the controller 80executes S65.

In S64, the controller 80 activates the contract mode of the printingdevice 1 (i.e., a mode activation process). Then, the controller 80 setsthe status of the printing device 1 to “after billing.” In other words,the controller 80 changes the printing device 1 to the contract printingstate (i.e., a status change process).

In S65, the controller 80 activates the contract mode of the printingdevice 1 (i.e., a mode activation process). Then, the controller 80 setsthe status of the printing device 1 to “before billing.” In other words,the controller 80 changes the printing device 1 to the replacementstandby state (i.e., a standby state changing process).

After execution of S64 or S65, i.e., when the contract mode of theprinting device 1 is activated, the controller 80 may execute aremaining amount detection process to detect the ink remaining amount ofeach of the ink cartridges 4 installed in the housing. When executingthe ink remaining amount detection process, the controller 80 maytransmit the activation completion notification to the server 9 withincluding information indicating the ink remaining amount of each of theink cartridges 4 detected by the ink remaining amount detection process(i.e., ink remaining amount information) in the activation completionnotification transmitted in S8, which will be described below.

As the controller 80 executes the remaining amount detection process andtransmits the remaining amount information to the server 9, the printingdevice 1 can notify the server 9 of the ink remaining amount whentransmitting a request for provision of a contract cartridge to theserver. Accordingly, the server 9 can determine whether and/or when toprovide the contract cartridges based on the ink remaining amount ofeach ink cartridge 4.

According to the mode/status setting process described above, thecontroller 80 changes the printing device 1 to the contract printingperforming state when one or more bundled cartridges are installed inthe printing device 1 (S63: YES). Therefore, according to themode/status setting process, the user can install the bundled cartridgesin the printing device 1 after the conclusion of the contract, therebymaking the printing device 1 ready for contract printing without waitingfor the provision of the contract cartridges from the business entity.Therefore, the printing system 100 of the present embodiment can reducethe time lag between the conclusion of the contract and the start ofcontract printing based on the contract conditions.

Further, according to the mode/status setting process, when neither thecontract cartridge nor the bundled cartridge is installed in theprinting device 1 (S62: NO, and S63: NO), the controller 80 can changethe mode of the printing device 1 to the replacement standby state andnot perform the contract printing until the contract cartridge or thebundled cartridge is installed.

Shipping Determination

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a shipping determination processperformed in the server 9. The flowchart in FIG. 5 corresponds to theprocess in S7 of the sequence chart shown in FIG. 3 . That is, theserver 9 is in a state where an activation completion notification hasjust been received from the printing device 1.

In S111, the server controller 93 refers to the cartridge informationincluded in the activation completion notification to determine whetherone or more bundled cartridges are included among the ink cartridges 4installed in the printing device 1. When one or more bundled cartridgesare included (S111: YES), the server controller 93 performs the processof S112. On the other hand, when the bundled cartridges are not includedin the ink cartridges 4 installed in the printing device 1 (S111: NO),the server controller 93 performs the process of S115.

In S112, the server controller 93 determines that the first contractcartridge does not need to be shipped. When S112 is executed, the servercontroller 93 executes the determination in S113.

In S113, the server controller 93 determines, by referring to thecartridge information included in the activation completionnotification, whether or not an ink cartridge 4 that is a bundledcartridge and of which ink remaining amount is equal to or less than aparticular threshold is installed in the printing device 1.

When an ink cartridge 4 that is the bundled cartridge and of which inkremaining amount is equal to or less than the particular threshold isinstalled in the printing device 1 (S113: YES), the server controller 93determines that a contract cartridge of the same color as the inkcartridge 4 that is subjected to be the affirmative determination (i.e.,YES) in S113 is required to be shipped as the first contract cartridge.

When the ink cartridge 4 that is a bundled cartridge and of which inkremaining amount is equal to or less than the particular threshold isnot installed in the printing device 1 (S113: NO), the server controller93 maintains the determination in S112. That is, the server controller93 maintains the determination that no shipment of the first contractcartridge is required.

According to the process in S113 and S114, for the cartridges which arethe bundled cartridges but the ink remaining amounts are low,replacement contract cartridges are shipped to the user as the firstcontract cartridges. As mentioned above, the bundled cartridge is an inkcartridge 4 that can be used also for the normal printing. Therefore,the normal printing may have been performed using the bundled cartridgebefore the contract mode of the printing device 1 is activated.According to the process in S113 and S114, when the remaining amount ofthe consumables has already decreased at the time when the controller 80activates the contract mode, the replacement first type consumables canbe shipped before the consumables is completely exhausted.

On the other hand, when none of the bundled cartridges are included(S111: NO), the server controller 93 performs the process of S115. InS115, the server controller 93 determines that the first contractcartridges need to be shipped.

Overall Flow

FIG. 6 is a sequence chart illustrating processes after the printingdevice 1 activates the contract mode in the printing system 100. As anexample, FIG. 6 shows a flow of process of the printing device 1 and theserver 9 after processes same as the processes shown in FIG. 3 have beenperformed in the printing system 100. In other words, it is assumed thatthe contract mode of the printing device 1 has been activated at thestart of the process shown in FIG. 6 .

In S20, the controller 80 of the printing device 1 detects when one ofthe cartridges is installed in the printing device 1. For example, afterexecution of S13 in FIG. 2 , the first contract cartridge is shipped tothe user. When the user installs this first contract cartridge in theprinting device 1, the controller 80 of the printing device 1 detectsthe installation of the cartridge.

How the controller 80 detects the installation of a cartridge to theprinting device 1 may be determined based on the hardware or softwarespecifications of the printing device 1. For example, the printingdevice 1 may be provided with a housing having an opening for installinga cartridge. The controller 80 may then detect the installation of thecartridge in the housing of the printing device 1 (i.e., a detectionprocess). As a result, the printing device 1 can determine, withoutdelay, when a cartridge is installed, and whether the installedcartridge is an appropriate cartridge for the flat-rate printing.

For example, the controller 80 may determine that a cartridge isinstalled in the housing when it is detected that the cartridge contactsthe housing. For example, the controller 80 may detect the contact ofthe cartridge with the housing using a sensor or a mechanical detector.

The controller 80 may regard that a cartridge is “installed in thehousing” when the controller 80 detects a user operation related to theinstallation of the cartridge in the housing. For example, when theprinting device 1 is provided with a cover for opening and closing anopening of the housing, the controller 80 may detect that the cover hasbeen closed based on a sensor or a mechanical detector (i.e., adetection process). Then, when the controller 80 detects that the coverhas been closed, the controller 80 may regard that the consumables havebeen installed in the housing. This allows the printing device 1 todetermine whether or not the cartridge is a particular type ofconsumable at the timing when the user has installed the cartridge inthe housing and closed the cover. As a result, the user can determine,without delay, whether the appropriate consumables are installed for theflat-rate printing.

In S21, the controller 80 performs the consumable monitoring process.The consumable monitoring process is a process of monitoring anddetermining whether one or more cartridges installed in the printingdevice 1 include a cartridge of a particular type that meets theconditions for changing to the contract printing state, which is a statein which the flat-rate printing is possible. In the present embodiment,the “cartridges of a particular type” refers to the contract cartridges.

Consumable Monitoring Process

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the consumable monitoring process. Asmentioned above, it is assumed that the controller 80 periodicallyperforms the communication monitoring process.

In S211, the controller 80 determines whether the printing device 1 isin a state where communication with the server 9 is possible. Forexample, the controller 80 is configured to identify the communicationstatus between the printing device 1 and the server 9 by referring tothe information of the communication status in the main memory 82. Whenthe printing device 1 and the server 9 are in a communication-activatedstate (S211: YES), the controller 80 executes S212.

It is noted that the determining process in S211 is not mandatory.However, by executing the determining process in S211, the printingdevice 1 can activate the contract printing when the printing device 1and the server 9 can exchange various information on the contractprinting.

In S212, the controller 80 determines whether one or more contractcartridges are installed in the printing device 1. When one or morecontract cartridges are installed in the printing device 1 (S212: YES),the controller 80 executes S213.

In S213, the controller 80 determines that the printing device 1 meetsthe conditions for changing to the contract printing state.

On the other hand, when the printing device 1 and the server 9 areunable to communicate (S211: NO), or when no contract cartridge isinstalled in the printing device 1 (S212: NO), the controller 80executes S214.

In S214, the controller 80 determines that the printing device 1 doesnot meet the conditions for changing to the contracted printing state.

Returning to FIG. 6 , and a further description will be made. In S22,the controller 80 performs a process according to the result of theconsumable monitoring process described above. That is, when theprinting device 1 meets the conditions for changing to the contractprinting state (S22: YES), the controller 80 executes S23. On the otherhand, when the printing device 1 does not meet the conditions forchanging to the contracted printing state (S22: NO), the controller 80waits until the process in S20 is executed again.

In S23, the controller 80 changes the status of the printing device 1 to“after billing,” thereby changing the printing device 1 to the contractprinting state. Thereafter, the controller 80 notifies the server 9 thatthe printing device 1 has been changed to the contract printing state.As a result, the printing device 1 can notify the server 9 that theprinting device 1 will start using the flat-rate printing service. Thecontroller 80 may also notify the server 9 of the value of the secondnumber-of-sheet counter together with the change of the status of theprinting device.

The timing of transmission of the aforementioned notification is notlimited to a particular timing within a period before the flat-rateprinting of S26. For example, when the controller 80 is configured toperiodically communicate with the server 9, the controller 80 maytransmit the aforementioned notification to the server 9 at thecommunication timing immediately after the execution of S22.

In S24, the server 9 starts billing for the printing device 1.Concretely, when the server controller 93 of the server 9 receives theaforementioned notification, the server controller 93 updates the deviceinformation about the printing device 1. That is, the server controller93 changes the start flag, which is included in the device informationof the printing device 1 that received the notification, to “alreadystarted” among the device information stored in the server memory 92.The server 9 then executes S25.

In S25, the server controller 93 of the server 9 stores the number ofsheets printed at the start of billing. Concretely, the servercontroller 93 stores the value of the second number-of-sheet counterincluded in the notification from the controller 80 as the value of thesecond number-of-sheet counter in the device information of the printingdevice 1 that has transmitted the notification. As a result, the valueof the second number-of-sheet counter at the time when the flat-rateprinting service is started in the printing device 1, i.e., at the timewhen billing starts, is stored in the server 9. After transmitting thenotification, the server 9 executes S26.

In S26, the printing device 1 executes the flat-rate printing. Forexample, after step S23 and transmission of the notification to theserver 9, the printing device 1 executes the flat-rate printing inaccordance with the input operation of the user or a printinginstruction from a device wired or wirelessly connected to the printingdevice 1, such as a personal computer. After the flat-rate printing isexecuted, the controller 80 updates the value of the secondnumber-of-sheet counter in the area 827 of the main memory 82, and thennotifies the server 9 of the updated value of the second number-of-sheetcounter. The server 9 receives the value of the second number-of-sheetcounter.

In S27, the server controller 93 of the server 9 stores the valueobtained by subtracting the value of the second number-of-sheet counterstored in the device information in the area 921 from the received valueof the second number-of-sheet counter as the fixed number of sheets tobe printed. In addition, the server controller 93 updates the value ofthe second number-of-sheet counter in the device information with thereceived value of the second number-of-sheet counter.

Thereafter, the value of the second number-of-sheet counter istransmitted from the printing device 1 to the server 9 at a particulartiming. Each time the server controller 93 of the server 9 receives thevalue of the second number-of-sheet counter, the server controller 93stores, in the device information as the fixed number of sheets to beprinted, the difference in the number of sheets between the previouslyreceived value of the second number-of-sheet counter, i.e., the value ofthe second number-of-sheet counter stored in the device information, andthe latest received value of the second number-of-sheet counter. Thisallows the server 9 to obtain the number of printed materials printed byusing the flat-rate printing service at the printing device 1.

According to the above process, the printing device 1 enables theflat-rate printing when the printing device 1 and the server 9 are incommunication and one or more contract cartridges are installed in theprinting device 1. As a result, the flat-rate printing can be executedwhen the printing device 1 and the server 9 are capable of exchangingvarious information on the flat-rate printing. In other words, thecounting of the “flat-rate” period of the flat-rate printing starts.Therefore, the printing device 1 can start the flat-rate printingservice at an appropriate timing.

According to the above processes, the printing device 1 notifies theserver 9 that the printing device 1 has been changed to the contractprinting state after execution of S23. As a result, the printing device1 can notify the server 9 that the printing device 1 will start usingthe subscription printing service. In addition, the server 9 canappropriately determine the start timing of billing for the flat-rateprinting by the notification from the controller 80.

First Modification

In the above description, a case where the printing device 1 is aninkjet printer is described. However, the printing device 1 should notbe limited to the inkjet printer, but may be a printer capable ofinstalling a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge, or a combinedcartridge in which the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge areintegrated. When the printing device 1 is a printer capable ofinstalling the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge, the sameinformation as for the ink cartridge 4 described in the first embodimentis stored in the toner cartridge and/or the drum cartridge. Thecontroller 80 of the printing device 1 may then read the cartridgeinformation from the toner cartridges and/or drum cartridges and storethe same in the area 821 of the main memory 82. The handling of thecartridge information thereafter is the same as that described in thefirst embodiment.

Second Modification

In the above explanation, a case where there are two modes of theprinting device 1 (i.e., the contract mode and the normal mode) isdescribed. However, the number and types of modes of the printing device1 are not necessarily limited to those of the first embodiment. Forexample, it is possible that two types of contracts are made for theprinting device 1. In such a case, there may be three modes of theprinting device 1 including a normal mode in which no mode for anycontract is activated, a first contract mode in which contract printingfor the first contract is possible, and a second contract mode in whichcontract printing for the second contract is possible. Similarly, whenthe number of contract types increases, the number of contract modes mayincrease by that amount. There may also be other modes of the printingdevice 1 that are different from the normal mode and do not involve theconclusion of a contract.

It is further noted that the type of contract printing is notnecessarily limited to the flat-rate printing. For example, when themode is the first contract mode and the status is “after billing,” theflat-rate printing may be possible, and when the mode is the secondcontract mode and the status is “after billing,” a quantitativeprinting, which permits printing up to a certain amount of printing, maybe possible. As above, when there are multiple types of contractprinting, the controller 80 should be configured to activate thecontract printing corresponding to the activated contract mode.Optionally, even when any of the contract printing is activated, normalprinting may be made executable each time when only the commercialcartridges are installed in the printing device 1.

Software Implementation

The control blocks of the printing device 1 and server 9 may be realizedby logic circuits (i.e., hardware) formed in integrated circuits (e.g.,IC chips) or other devices, by software, or combinations thereof.

In the latter case, each of the printing device 1 and the server 9 areequipped with a computer that executes the instructions of a program,which is software that realizes each function. Such a computer isequipped with one or more processors, for example, and a non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium that stores the program. Then, in thecomputer, aspects of the present disclosures are realized when theprocessor reads the program (i.e., instructions) from the recordingmedium and executes the same. As the processor, for example, a CPU(Central Processing Unit) can be used. As the recording medium, a“non-temporary tangible medium,” for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), orthe like as well as tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmablelogic circuit, and the like can be used. The processor may also befurther equipped with a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, inwhich the program is deployed. The program may be supplied to thecomputer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program(e.g., a communication network, a broadcast wave, etc.). One aspect ofthe present invention may also be realized in the form of a data signalembedded in a carrier wave, wherein the program is embodied byelectronic transmission.

The present disclosures are not necessarily limited to theaforementioned embodiments, but various changes can be made withinscopes indicated in the claims, and embodiments obtained by combiningtechnical means disclosed in different embodiments/modifications arealso included in aspects of the present disclosures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printing device comprising: a housing; acommunication interface configured to communicate with an externaldevice configured to communicate with the printing device; and acontroller, wherein the printing device is configured to operateprinting either in a first mode or in a second mode that is differentfrom the first mode, wherein the housing is configured such that one ormore consumables including a first type consumable and a second typeconsumable are attachable, the first type consumable being dedicated forprinting in the first mode, the second type consumable being usable forprinting in both the first mode and the second mode, and wherein thecontroller is configured to perform, in a case where the second typeconsumable is attached to the housing, changing a state of the printingdevice to a first printing state in which the first printing isactivated and activating the first mode of the printing device inresponse to an activation instruction from the external device.
 2. Theprinting device according to claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to perform: activating of the first mode of the printingdevice in response to the activation instruction; and in a case wherethe second type consumable is attached to the housing, changing of thestate of the printing device to the first printing state after theactivating of the first mode.
 3. The printing device according to claim1, wherein the first type consumable is a consumable supplied from abusiness entity to a user of the printing device, and wherein the secondtype consumable is a consumable bundled with the printing device whenthe printing device is purchased.
 4. The printing device according toclaim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be attached with a thirdtype consumable usable for printing other than the first printing, andwherein, when at least one of the second type consumable and the thirdtype consumable is attached to the printing device and when the firsttype consumable is not attached to the printing device, the controlleris configured to activate the first mode of the printing device in theactivating.
 5. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein, whenthe third type consumable is attached to the printing device in theactivating, the controller is configured to change the state of theprinting device to a replacement standby state, the replacement standbystate being a state in which the controller waits for replacement of thethird type consumable to at least one of the first type consumable andthe second type consumable.
 6. The printing device according to claim 1,wherein the controller is configured to transmit a provision request ofthe first consumable to the external device when the first mode of theprinting device is activated.
 7. The printing device according to claim6, wherein the controller is configured to perform: when the first modeof the printing device is activated, detecting a remaining amount ofconsumables attached to the housing; and when the provision request istransmitted, transmitting the provision request with remaining amountinformation indicating the remaining amount of the consumables detectedin the detecting.
 8. The printing device according to claim 1, whereinthe controller is configured to perform: in response to the activationinstruction, determining whether an operating state of the printingdevice is appropriate for activation of the first mode; and when it isdetermined, in the determining, that the operating state of the printingdevice is appropriate for the activation of the first mode, activatingthe first mode.
 9. The printing device according to claim 8, wherein thecontroller is configured to perform: when an error occurring in theprinting device meets a particular condition, determining that theoperating state of the printing device is inappropriate for theactivation of the first mode.
 10. The printing device according to claim1, wherein the controller is configured to perform: monitoring acommunication condition between the printing device and the externaldevice; and when the first mode of the printing device is activated, theprinting device and the external device are in a communicable state, andone of the first type consumable and the second type consumable isinstalled in the housing, changing the state of the printing device tothe first printing state.
 11. The printing device according to claim 1,wherein the first mode is a mode in which the printing device isrecognized as a device subjected to a contract that is qualified toperform contract printing based on contract terms of the first with abusiness entity, and the second mode is a mode in which the printingdevice does not perform the contract printing.
 12. A printing systemincluding an external device and a printing device, wherein the printingdevice comprises: a housing; a communication interface configured tocommunicate with the external device; and a controller, wherein theprinting device is configured to operate either in a first mode or in asecond mode, the first mode being a mode in which the printing device isrecognized as a device subjected to a first that is qualified to performfirst printing based on first terms of the first with a business entity,the second mode being a mode in which the printing device does notperform the first printing, wherein the housing is configured such thatone or more consumables including a first type consumable and a secondtype consumable are attachable, the first type consumable beingdedicated for the first printing in the first mode, the second typeconsumable being usable for printing in both the first mode and thesecond mode, wherein the controller is configured to perform: inresponse to an activation instruction from the external device,activating the first mode of the printing device; in a case where thesecond type consumable is attached to the housing, changing a state ofthe printing device to a first printing state in which the firstprinting is activated and the activating of the first mode; andtransmitting a provision request of the first consumable to the externaldevice when the first mode of the printing device is activated, whereinthe controller is further configured to perform: transmitting, to theexternal device, the provision request with type information indicatinga type of consumable installed in the printing device, and wherein theexternal device includes an external device controller configured toperform: transmitting the activation instruction to the printing device;receiving the provision request transmitted from the printing device;determining, based on the type information, whether the second typeconsumable is installed in the printing device; when the second typeconsumable is not installed in the printing device, instructingprovision of the first type consumable to a user of the printing device;and when the second type consumable is not installed in the printingdevice, not instructing the provision of the first type consumable tothe user of the printing device.
 13. The printing system according toclaim 12, wherein the controller is configured to perform: when thefirst mode of the printing device is activated, detecting a remainingamount of consumables attached to the housing; and when the provisionrequest is transmitted, transmitting the provision request withremaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of theconsumables detected in the detecting, wherein the external devicecontroller is configured to: receiving the remaining amount informationfrom the printing device in the receiving the provision request; andwhen the remaining amount of the consumable indicated by the remainingamount information is equal to or less than a particular threshold,performing the instructing provision of the first type consumable evenif the consumable of which remaining amount is equal to or less than theparticular threshold is the third type consumable.
 14. The printingdevice according to claim 12, wherein the first mode is a mode in whichthe printing device is recognized as a device subjected to a contractthat is qualified to perform contract printing based on contract termsof the first with a business entity, and the second mode is a mode inwhich the printing device does not perform the contract printing.
 15. Anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium for a printing deviceincluding a housing, a communication interface configured to communicatewith an external device, and a controller, wherein the printing deviceis configured to operate either in a first mode or in a second mode, thefirst mode being a mode in which the printing device is recognized as adevice subjected to a first that is qualified to perform first printingbased on first terms of the first with a business entity, the secondmode being a mode in which the printing device does not perform thefirst printing, wherein the housing is configured such that one or moreconsumables including a first type consumable and a second typeconsumable are attachable, the first type consumable being dedicated forthe first printing in the first mode, the second type consumable beingusable for printing in both the first mode and the second mode, andwherein the non-transitory computer-readable recording medium containingcomputer-executable instructions which cause, when executed by thecontroller, the printing device to perform: in response to an activationinstruction from the external device, activating the first mode of theprinting device; and in a case where the second type consumable isattached to the housing, changing a state of the printing device to afirst printing state in which the first printing is activated and theactivating of the first mode.
 16. The printing device according to claim15, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the printing device isrecognized as a device subjected to a contract that is qualified toperform contract printing based on contract terms of the first with abusiness entity, and the second mode is a mode in which the printingdevice does not perform the contract printing.